Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Acevedo.
Hi Daniela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Bountiful Candles Co. started in 2020 as a mid-pandemic hobby my mom shared with me. I was a new mom and had decided to stay home full-time. I missed having a creative outlet and doing something that was for me, particularly because having a child requires giving so much of yourself. I started to slowly build my business by getting out of my comfort zone and signing up for vendor events, creating content, recognizing it’s okay to fail sometimes, and reminding myself that it wasn’t going to happen overnight.
Titusville is a small town and it took a lot of hard work for me to make a name for myself and become a part of the established community. Owning and growing a business takes a lot of perseverance, but now my products are well known in Brevard and Orlando and ship frequently to other states in the country. I have been hosting candle-making events at different local businesses for almost a year now, and I’m proud to say Bountiful Candles Co. is a well-known business in my community.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
It’s been a pretty bumpy road. As a new business owner, it’s hard not to compare yourself to others, especially the more established businesses. I often remind myself that everyone has their own journey, and there’s beauty in that. I will never be like them, and they will never be like me. We are all unique in our way, and you can see that in our brands, products, and businesses.
At the end of 2021, I became a single mom, and it was the biggest challenge I’ve ever faced. The shift from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming the sole provider in my home immediately put me into survival mode. I was going through a massive mental, emotional, and environmental transition, and my business was still a baby too. Those were really trying times, and I’m grateful I made it through.
I also struggled with underselling myself and my products. When I first launched my business, I didn’t have the confidence to price my products how they should have been, mainly when competing with big corporations that can afford to have lower prices. It took me some time to realize my worth and price my products appropriately, despite the competition.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in handcrafting high-quality soy wax candles of various sizes. I only use non-toxic ingredients I would be comfortable having in my home. I also offer wooden wicks, which are not as widely available through other brands because they are time-consuming to work with and more costly than cotton wicks. However, they’re safer and a customer favorite, so I’m happy to offer them!
A fun fact about my process is that I will only pour candles if I’m in a good mood. I strongly believe in the transfer of energies, and I love knowing my candles are made with all my love and positive vibes. I believe these qualities set my candles apart from others and make them unique.
I’ve built a unique presence in my community by hosting candle-pouring classes. The idea came from boredom, believe it or not. I love pouring candles, but I found my everyday routine becoming a little dull, and the only time I could connect with people and customers was during vendor markets. So, I thought, how cool would it be to show people to make their own candles from start to finish? These events not only allow me to share my craft but also allow me to promote creative outlets for others. I highly encourage all of our attendees to get in touch with their inner child and get as creative as they’d like at my pouring events.
Our students assemble their vessels, pick their own fragrances (or mix a few), and name their candles – some events even offer different vessel options to choose from! My workshops have quickly become my favorite part of my business. I love being able to connect with my community, and I’ve formed so many friendships through this experience. Since launching my first event on June 29, 2022, at Playalinda Brewery’s Hardware Store (which sold out in eight hours!) I’ve hosted over 25 workshops in over ten locations with over 200 attendees.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Bountiful Candles Co. is an extension of me, and I love adding personal details to every part of the business. My goal is to highlight the person behind the brand, personalize it, and build a mutual connection with my customers and social media followers.
Expressing gratitude is a huge part of my practice in business, and I make sure to consistently let my customers know I appreciate their support. I am beyond grateful that I get to run this business for a living. I am grateful I can create a product that provides people with a sense of comfort, luxury, and an experience in their homes. I am grateful that I can host an event that allows people to tap into their inner child, who so badly wants to create something amazing, while also satisfying the adult who needs to have a creative outlet and a moment to relax and unwind.
I believe expressing my emotions and being transparent with everyone has greatly impacted my success.
Pricing:
- 3.5oz – $10
- 8oz – $20
- Workshops – vary from $45 – $60
- Private candle-pouring events – starting at $35/pp
Contact Info:
- Website: bountifulcandles.co
- Instagram: instagram.com/bountifulcandles
- Facebook: Facebook.com/bountifulcandles
Image Credits
Rose Quartz Imagery
